Massaging your dog may look like simple petting, but there is a proper technique for massaging your dog. Giving your dog a massage once or twice a week can relieve joint pain, increase flexibility, improve muscle tone and even improve his attitude and overall bond with you. It doesn't take much time or skill to learn how to massage your dog, and you may both benefit from the experience. Find a quiet, comfortable place and get started.
Instructions
Place your hand near your dog's nose so it is barely touching him. Stroke him from his nose to the tip of his tail three times while keeping your hand almost floating above his fur (this is a Swedish massage technique known as "effleurage"). While stroking him, try not to break the flow of the movement.
Use the same effleurage stroke over each limb of your dog's body, down to her toes, starting with the forelimbs to the back limbs. Also, from her chin, follow down her neck to the middle of her stomach. Do this three times for each stroke.
Repeat Steps 1 and 2 but use slightly more pressure, so you are actually touching the fur. Make the stroke more like a typical gentle petting. This is considered moderate pressure for your dog.
Repeat Steps 1 and 2 with a little more pressure than in Step 3, but no more pressure than as if you were placing your own hand across your arm. This is considered "heavy" pressure for your dog.
Place one hand with the palm side on the inside of his leg and the other hand gently clasped over the outside, and work your way down your dog's leg. Very gently apply a slight squeeze with your outer hand, until you get to her feet, then work your way back up, doing the same. Be careful to apply the pressure on the outside of her leg, rather than the inside.
Place your hands on his head, as if looking eye-to-eye, and wrap your index finger and thumb loosely around the base of his ear and massage in a circular motion. Do each ear separately or both at the same time. Folding the ear horizontally, slide your fingers to the end of his ear and rub the tips in a circular motion.
Slide your hands down her face and place the flat side of your thumbs across the bridge of her nose. Gently slide down the side of her muzzle, toward her lower jaw, three times.
Reach under his lips to rub, in a circular motion, his gums for approximately 30 seconds or as long as he'll allow. This will help promote good circulation for healthy gums.
Repeat Steps 4 through 1, reversing the pressure you started with. Use the effleurage technique first with heavy pressure, then work your way to light pressure to end the massage.